Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government & Housing Committee

SSB 5561

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires the State Building Code Council (Council) to adopt rules requiring carbon monoxide alarms in residential occupancies.
Specifies that these rules must require carbon monoxide alarms in new buildings beginning in 2011, and in existing structures beginning in 2013.
Allows the Council to exempt certain buildings.

Background:

State Building Code Council.

The State Building Code Council (Council) provides independent analysis and objective advice to the Legislature and the Office of the Governor on state building code issues. The Council establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing, and energy code requirements necessary to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington, by reviewing, developing, and adopting the state building code.

Buildings Classified as Residential Occupancies.

Residential occupancies, as defined in the administrative rules, fall into the following categories:

those where occupants are primarily transient, such as boarding houses and hotels;
those containing sleeping units or at least two dwelling units. Examples include:
- apartment buildings;
- convents; and
- vacation timeshare properties;
detached houses, duplexes, and townhomes; and
adult and child care facilities located in homes.

Smoke Detector Requirements.

State law requires that building owners install smoke detectors in all buildings occupied by residents other than the owner, as well as all buildings built after 1980. Tenants are responsible for replacing batteries and maintaining smoke detectors.

After a vacancy, landlords must ensure that smoke detectors are in working order before new tenants move in.

Summary of Bill:

By July 1, 2010, the Council must adopt rules requiring all residential occupancies, with certain exceptions, to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. These rules must require that:

all newly constructed residential occupancies have carbon monoxide alarms beginning January 1, 2011;
all other residential occupancies have carbon monoxide alarms beginning January 1, 2013; and
tenants maintain carbon monoxide alarms according to manufacturer specifications, including battery replacement.

Additionally, the rules must consider applicable nationally accepted standards.